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ALBERTA BIOLOGISTS' BIWEEKLY
MAY 1, 2024
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RESILIENCE!
The 2024 ASPB Conference
The Call for Abstracts is open until May 31
and conference sponsorships are available:
Contact Jessica Koehli
...and don't forget the
2024 Conference PHOTO CONTEST
Check out the rules HERE
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Concern grows about the spread
of bird flu across North America
Katherine J. Wu holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunobiology from Harvard University and is a reporter for The New York Times, covering science and health. Last week, when asked by Lora Kelley, Associate Editor of The Atlantic, if there is anything that can be done to curb the spread of H5N1 bird flu among wild animals, she had this this to say:
“For the animal world, this has already been a pandemic, many times over. It has been truly devastating in that respect. So many wild birds, sea lions, seals, and other creatures have died, and it’s difficult to see how people can effectively intervene out in nature. There have been very few cases in which endangered animals have received vaccines because there’s a real possibility that their populations could be 100 percent wiped out by this virus... For most other animals in the wild, there’s not a lot that can be done, except for people to pay attention to where the virus is spreading. The hope is that most animal populations will be resilient enough to get through this and develop some form of immunity.”
Phil Taylor, a retired CWS biologist and migratory-bird specialist living in Saskatchewan, responds that Dr. Wu addresses the H5N1 bird flu threat accurately. "Her call-out for people 'to pay attention to where the virus is spreading' is right-on: Alberta biologists who encounter birds (or other wildlife) that they believe are acting abnormally should contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife (toll free 310-0000), who can follow-up on the report if necessary.”
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BUILDING YOUR
CAREER?
See what's new on the
BIOLOGISTS'
JOB BOARD
Environmental Planner (Aquatic Biology Focus)
Environmental Project Manager
Senior Aquatic Biologist
Vegetation Ecologist
Fisheries Biologist
Junior and Intermediate Biologists
Conservation Geneticist
Wildlife Biologist
Intermediate Vegetation & Wetland Ecologist
Fisheries Manager - Northwest
Intermediate Scientist Biologist (Aquatics)
Environmental Business Development Specialist
FIND INFORMATION
ON THESE AND
OVER 30 OTHER POSITIONS
HERE
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IN MY OPINION... an occasional new feature in the BIWEEKLY. This month, scroll down to the BIOS Brief section for In Praise of Prairie, a column by Lorne Fitch, P. Biol. | |
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
MAY
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School of Fish Workshop:
Fishes of Alberta - Field Identification
This fish ID course will be instructed by Shona Derlukewich, B.Sc., P. Biol., at Mount Royal University in Calgary May 5, 2024 (Sunday), from 1300h to 1630h (please arrive a few minutes early to start on time). The workshop will focus on majority of Fishes of Alberta with emphasis on small body fishes. The cost per student is $150; pre-payment by etransfer/credit card to hold seat. Field guides are included in the workshop cost and will be provided to participants upon arrival. Additional details (map for parking and room number) will be supplied to registered participants. To register, email Shona Derlukewich and for more fishy details check out the WEBSITE.
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Paragon Soil Science Courses:
Soil Classification and Mapping (EXCPE 4297)
May 7 to 13, 2024 (online with in-person field trip, 3-credit course)
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Under Pressure:
Threats to Alberta’s Native Plant Communities
On May 15, 2024, at 12:00 noon MDT, Megan Evans will close out the series with Nurturing Alberta's Native Bees, The Alberta Native Bee Council's Approach to Conservation. Learn about the status of Alberta's native bees and what the Alberta Native Bee Council has been working on to help protect them, as well as how participating in ANPC’s very own Native Plant Garden Challenge can help. Register HERE or on the ANPC website.
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School of Fish Workshop:
Fishes of Alberta - Field Identification
This fish ID course will be instructed by Shona Derlukewich, B.Sc., P. Biol., at MacEwan University in Edmonton May 26, 2024 (Sunday), from 1300h to 1630h (please arrive a few minutes early to start on time). The workshop will focus on majority of Fishes of Alberta with emphasis on small body fishes. The cost per student is $150; pre-payment by etransfer/credit card to hold seat. Field guides are included in the workshop cost and will be provided to participants upon arrival. Additional details (map for parking and room number) will be supplied to registered participants. To register, email Shona Derlukewich and for more fishy details check out the WEBSITE.
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An Introduction to Mosses of Alberta
The Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta is offering a 3 day workshop in moss identification, on May 22-24, 2024. Mosses are an important component of the diversity of Alberta with approximately 525 species in the province. However, they are often overlooked because of their small size. This three-day workshop consists of a practical introduction to moss identification. You can REGISTER HERE
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Fiera Biological Workshops, Tracks and Traces:
Wildlife Track and Sign Identification
These in-person field-based workshops will take place in the Edmonton region and will be instructed by Joseph Litke, Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Track & Sign Professional. The workshops will focus on the identification and interpretation of clues left by wildlife in the form of tracks and other sign such as scats or foraging evidence. Suitable for any skill level. Limited space available.
May Workshop date: May 25, 2024; June Workshop date: June 22, 2024.
Learn more and register HERE
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Paragon Soil Science Courses:
Pedology Field School (SOIL230 Sp23)
May 29 to 31, 2023 (in-person in the Edmonton area).
Instructor: Konstantin Dlusskiy, PhD, PAg
Registration: https://SOIL230-Sp23.eventbrite.ca
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
JUNE
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Fiera Biological Workshops, Tracks and Traces:
Wildlife Track and Sign Identification
This in-person field-based workshop will take place in the Edmonton region and will be instructed by Joseph Litke, Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Track & Sign Professional. The workshop will focus on the identification and interpretation of clues left by wildlife in the form of tracks and other sign such as scats or foraging evidence. Suitable for any skill level. Limited space available. June Workshop date: June 22, 2024. Learn more and register HERE
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
JULY
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WPEFC recovery training session
This course provides field training and reference material tailored to whitebark and limber pine recovery. Participants will gain competency and a certificate issued by WPEFC demonstrating a consistent level of knowledge and technical skills required to support endangered whitebark and limber pine recovery.
This course will be held at Porcupine Hills, Alberta on July 10/11, 2024 (register by July 3) Click here for further details.
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NATURAL RESOURCES
TRAINING GROUP
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, May 1st 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-cochrane-may-1st-2024/
Advanced Electrofishing – Online – May 1st, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/advanced-electrofishing-online-may-1st-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, May 2nd, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-cochrane-may-2nd-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Terrace, May 2nd, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-terrace-april-11th-2024/
Streambank Restoration Techniques – Kamloops – May 7-8, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/streambank-restoration-techniques-kamloops-may-7-8-2024/
Planning & Designing Fish Habitat Assessments – Online – May 8th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/planning-designing-fish-habitat-assessments-online-may-8th-2024/
Drone Applications in Environmental Surveying – Online – May 8th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/drone-applications-in-environmental-surveying-online-may-8th-2024/
Avian Nest Sweeps and Monitoring Methods – Online – May 9-10th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/avian-nest-sweeps-and-monitoring-methods-online-may-9-10th-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Lower Sackville, May 9th 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-lower-sackville-may-9th-2024/
Construction Monitoring — Water Quality and Assessment – Online – May 13th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/construction-monitoring-water-quality-and-assessment-online-may-13th-2024/
Plant Identification Level 2 – Online – May 13th & May 15th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/plant-identification-level-2-online-may-13th-and-may-15th-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Saskatoon, 14th May, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-saskatoon-14-may-2024/
Wetland Assessment – Online, May 14-15, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/wetland-assessment-online-may-14-15-2024/
Career Mentoring – Tuesday May 14th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/career-mentoring-may-14th-2024/
Advanced Fish Sampling – Online – May 15th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/advanced-fish-sampling-online-may-15th-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, May 16th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-cochrane-may-16th-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kamloops, 16th May, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-kamloops-16th-may-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Prince George, May 17th 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-prince-george-may-17th-2024/
Bird Nest Surveys — Beyond Standard Approaches – Online – May 22nd, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/bird-nest-surveys-beyond-standard-approaches-online-may-22nd-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & North Vancouver, May 23rd, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-north-vancouver-may-23rd-2024/
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Winnipeg, May 23rd 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/electrofishing-certification-online-self-paced-winnipeg-may-23rd-2024/
Ask an Expert – Fish Habitat Restoration – May 28th, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/ask-an-expert-fish-habitat-restoration-may-28th-2024-2/
For the full calendar of upcoming courses, and course details, follow this link:
https://nrtraininggroup.com/schedule/
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COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE
of Applied Ecology
Revelstoke BC
Full course information available at each course link.
Introduction to `R` software
May 6-9, 2024. Online
Field Ornithology – Improving Bird ID and survey skills through sound
May 27-30, 2024. Online
Understanding Statistics and Decision-Making for Natural Resource Managers
May 8 - June 26, 2024. Online
Field Soil Description & Classification Course
June 26-28, 2024. Revelstoke BC.
Wetland Classification: An introduction
July 3-5, 2024. Revelstoke BC.
Data Manipulation and Visualization in R
October 1-4, 2024. Online
Introduction to `R` software
October 15-18, 2024. Online
QGIS Level I & II – Online
Dates scheduled according to student schedules.
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IN MY OPINION...
In Praise of Prairie
an article by Lorne Fitch, P. Biol.
When asked why a child of the wooded Aspen Parkland became an aficionado of the prairie, I have to pause. It’s tempting to be flippant and point out there are no trees or mountains to obscure the view. But there’s no one good reason or clear rationale. Like questioning why you love your spouse, or favour the colour blue, like chocolate ice cream over vanilla, there are a tangle of explanations.
I love people—mostly and in moderation—but prefer to see them, like landmarks, spread well apart. The arid nature of prairie forces humans to maintain a low population density. Exceptions exist with major towns and cities that have established beside rivers where water is more abundant. Our engineering propensities have diverted water from those rivers to make parts of the prairie bloom and expand our human footprint.
Irrigation agriculture has forced a semi-arid landscape to bend to our will and hew to the notions of abundant moisture, artificially provided. The entire plumbing of southern Alberta, from the flanks of the Eastern Slopes to the sagebrush grasslands has been altered to accommodate an agricultural dream of replacing self-sustaining, self-sufficient native grasslands with croplands of thirsty agronomic species.
Much of the prairie has thus been lost, fragmented or abused. What remains, especially the portions privately held, and even some of the public lands are wild country, but undesignated for protection from the plow, pipelines, powerlines and persistent economic aspirations.
Read more HERE
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This week’s banner:
“Arctic Grayling”
Photo by Sandra Scott and submitted to the ASPB's 2023 photo contest.
PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGISTS PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST
In Alberta, Professional Biologists are registrants of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), and are subject to a code of ethics, continuing competency requirements, and a disciplinary process. The ASPB is a self-regulated organization under legislation in the Province of Alberta, meaning its purpose is to protect the public of Alberta by ensuring biologists are qualified to practice biology in accordance with that legislation. The society is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its registrants.
You are probably receiving this newsletter because you are an ASPB Registrant. This newsletter provides relevant information and professional development opportunities for our members, as well as essential member-related society business; if you are registered with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, please DO NOT unsubscribe.
For more information about the Society or to contact the administration, please visit the website: https://www.aspb.ab.ca
Opinions and general news published in this e-newsletter
do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Society or its Board of Directors.
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